Best Manual Slow Cookers you can buy today
A manual slow cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for long, slow cooking that allows flavors to meld together beautifully. Ideal for busy individuals, it simplifies meal preparation by enabling you to combine ingredients and let them cook while you're away. Typically featuring low, high, and sometimes warm settings, a manual slow cooker provides straightforward control without digital programming. Its stoneware pot and tight-sealing lid retain heat and moisture, ensuring tender and flavorful dishes. From soups and stews to roasts and casseroles, a manual slow cooker offers a handy solution for creating delicious, hearty meals with minimal effort.
- 1
Crockpot SCV700-CH-BR Slow Cooker 7 quarts Charcoal best from "Crock-Pot"
Crock-Pot
Product highlights #1 from Crock-Pot
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting
- One-pot cooking means there are less dishes to clean, plus the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- 2
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Extra Large 10 Quart, Stay or Go Portable With Lid Lock, Dishwasher Safe Crock, Black (33195) best from "Hamilton Beach"
Hamilton Beach
Product highlights #2 from Hamilton Beach
- PERFECT FOR A LARGE GATHERING: The 10 quart slow cooker lets you cook enough food for a gathering of 12 or more people and fits a 10 lb. turkey or a 12 lb. roast.
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete for food that's warm and ready when it's time to eat.
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: The removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- 3
Crockpot 2-Quart Classic Slow Cooker Small Slow Cooker Black best from "Crock-Pot"
Crock-Pot
Product highlights #3 from Crock-Pot
- 3 Manual Heat Settings: Choose from high, low, and warm, for cooking flexibility no matter what you're making
- 2-Quart Capacity: Feeds 2+ people and is perfectly sized for preparing small meals, dips, and sides
- Keep Warm Setting: The manual warm setting allows you to keep your food at serving temperature when it's time to eat
- Oven-Safe Stoneware: Removable stoneware is oven-safe up to 400 degrees F
- Dishwasher-Safe: Stoneware and lid are both dishwasher-safe, for easy cleaning
- Modern Look: Sleek black finish
- 4
Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Portable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Dishwasher-Safe Crock, 6-Quart, Black 33261 best from "Hamilton Beach"
Hamilton Beach
Product highlights #4 from Hamilton Beach
- REDUCE SPILLS: The lid clips tightly to the slow cooker handles to reduce messy spills when transporting food. Carry hot meals to family gatherings, potlucks or to serve at the table without worrying about spills.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS: The 6 quart slow cooker has a stoneware crock that can fit a variety of foods, from lasagna and desserts to large cuts of meat. It will hold a 6 lb. chicken or a 4 lb. roast. Serves 7+ people.
- COOK FLAVORFUL MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: This Hamilton Beach slow cooker has simple controls that make it easy for you to create flavorful meals with minimal effort and great results. Just turn the dial. No watching needed.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE: This slow cooker lets you cook your meal on Low or High and then switch to Warm when cooking is complete to maintain the ideal temperature until you’re ready to eat.
- SIMPLE TO CLEAN: This slow cooker has a removable stoneware crock and glass lid that are dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
- 5
Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass Lid, Silver (33665G) best from "Hamilton Beach"
Hamilton Beach
Product highlights #5 from Hamilton Beach
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY MEALS AND ENTERTAINING: The slow cooker has a large 6 quart stoneware crock that holds enough to serve 7+ people. It will fit a whole 6 lb. chicken, a 4 lb. roast or enough barbecue to make up to 25 sliders
- EASY TO CARRY: With full-grip handles, the large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it simple to create delicious, flavorful meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's sure to become your go-to slow cooker. Just add ingredients and turn the dial.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that's warm and ready when it's time to eat.
- FAST AND EASY CLEANUP: The removable stoneware crock and durable glass lid are both dishwasher safe.
- BUILT FOR LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE: The easy-to-use slow cooker is made of quality materials for years of cooking, and it's backed by a 1 year limited warranty.
- SURPRISING THINGS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOUR SLOW COOKER: Make a wide variety of foods, from breakfast casserole and blueberry cobbler to lasagna, and even mulled wine.
- TAKES THE STRESS OUT OF FAMILY MEALS: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker does the cooking for you, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the ones you love.
- WHAT'S INCLUDED: slow cooker base, stoneware crock, glass lid
- 6
Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker with 3 Cooking Settings, Dishwasher-Safe Stoneware Crock & Glass, 8-Quart Built-In Lid Rest, Black best from "Hamilton Beach"
Hamilton Beach
Product highlights #6 from Hamilton Beach
- EASY SERVING WITH MESS-FREE LID REST: A built-in lid rest holds the lid securely in place for easy serving and directs condensation back into the crock. The lid rest doubles as a cord wrap for easy storage.
- PERFECT FOR LARGE MEALS: The 8 quart slow cooker has an extra-large capacity, oval-shaped stoneware crock that can fit a variety of foods. It will hold an 8 lb. chicken or a 6 lb. roast. Ideal for feeding friends or a large family. Serves 10+ people
- EASY TO CARRY WITH FULL-GRIP HANDLES: The large slow cooker is easy to lift and hold onto when carrying to the table to serve a meal or when taking food to gatherings.
- MAINTAIN THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE WITH 3 HEAT SETTINGS: Just turn the dial to choose from 3 heat settings. Cook your meal on Low or High, and then switch to Keep Warm when cooking is complete for food that's warm and ready when it's time to eat.
- DELICIOUS MEALS WITH MINIMAL EFFORT: The Hamilton Beach slow cooker makes it easy to create delicious, flavorful meals without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It's sure to become your go-to slow cooker. Just add ingredients and turn the dial.
- 7
Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for Large Families or Entertaining best from "Crock-Pot"
Crock-Pot
Product highlights #7 from Crock-Pot
- Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
- Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving temperature
- Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks
- Minimal Clean-Up: One-pot cooking reduces dishes; lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
- Versatile: Removable stoneware insert can be used in the microwave or an oven up to 400°F
- Stylish: Stainless steel exterior with black accents and practical plastic handles
- Economical & Healthy: Provides a cost-efficient way to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals
- 8
bella 6.0 Qt Manual Slow Cooker, Ceramic Nonstick Coating, 3 Temperature Settings, Dishwasher Safe Stoneware Pot and Tempered Glass Lid, Cool Touch Handles & Tangle Free Cord Wrap, Oatmilk best from "BELLA"
BELLA
Product highlights #8 from BELLA
- Big-Batch Brilliance: With a 6 qt capacity, our slow cookers are ideal for making large batches of soups, chili, or a whole roast chicken. They're perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, making every meal an effortless and delicious experience
- Healthy Coating: The electric cooker features an EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking, easy food release and quick cleanup, and spend more time savoring your meals than scrubbing
- Versatile Temperature Settings: Achieve perfect results every time with three heat settings—low, medium, and high. Whether slow-cooking a stew or speeding up dinner, with this electric pressure cooker you can cook your favorite dishes to perfection
- Clear View Cooking: This portable cooker features a durable, shatter-resistant glass lid, allowing you to monitor your meal without lifting the lid and losing heat. Keep an eye on your food as it cooks, ensuring perfect results every time
- Convenience & Comfort: Designed with cool-touch handles, non-skid feet, and a clutter-free cord wrap, this electric cooking pot is both safe and easy to use. Plus, the dishwasher-safe stoneware pot and tempered glass lid make cleanup a breeze
- 9
Crockpot Manual 3-Quart Slow Cooker Silver best from "Crock-Pot"
Crock-Pot
Product highlights #9 from Crock-Pot
- Serves 3+ people
- 3-quart capacity
- HIGH/LOW cook settings
- Convenient WARM setting
- Removable round stoneware
- Dishwasher-safe stoneware and glass lid
- Polished silver, stainless steel exterior with black accents and plastic handles
- 10
Crockpot Manual 7-Quart Slow Cooker Turquoise best from "Crock-Pot"
Crock-Pot
Product highlights #10 from Crock-Pot
- Spacious 7-quart manual slow cooker serves 8+ people or fits a 6-lb. roast
- Set cooking time to high and get a hot meal in no time or set it on low and tonight’s dinner can cook while you’re at work
- Keep food at an ideal serving temperature for as long as you need to with the convenient warm setting
- One-pot cooking means there are less dishes to clean, plus the lid and removable stoneware are dishwasher safe
A Guide to Selecting a Manual Slow Cooker
Introduction to the Manual Slow Cooker
Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a busy professional who prefers homemade meals, a manual slow cooker can be a transformative addition to your kitchen arsenal. Slow cookers, also known as crock pots, have been popular for decades due to their convenience and effectiveness in cooking through long, low-temperature cooking methods. They are ideal for making stews, soups, chili, and more, allowing flavors to develop and meld together over time.
The allure of a slow cooker lies in its simplicity. You can prepare your ingredients, place them in the pot, set the temperature, and leave it to simmer while you carry on with your day. The slow cooker with timer feature offers additional control, allowing your meal to be ready at precisely the right moment. Despite its simplicity, choosing the right slow cooker for rice or soup means considering several factors to ensure you get the best results.
Best Manual Slow Cooker Brands
There is a vast array of brands competing to provide the best slow cooker experience. Choosing the right brand can significantly impact your satisfaction with the product. Some of the market leaders have been perfecting their slow cooker designs for decades, ensuring reliability and longevity.
- Crock-Pot: Known for pioneering the slow cooker market, Crock-Pot offers models with simplistic designs that are easy to use and clean.
- Hamilton Beach: Offers budget-friendly options with reliable performance and user-friendly features.
- KitchenAid: Known for their durable and aesthetically pleasing kitchen appliances, their slow cookers don't disappoint.
- Cuisinart: Offers cookers that boast advanced heating technologies and numerous sizes for different household needs.
Features of a Manual Slow Cooker
When selecting a manual slow cooker, consider the following features that can enhance your cooking experience:
- Capacity: Ranges from 1.5 to 8 quarts. Choose depending on your household size and how much food you typically prepare.
- Material: Common materials include stainless steel, ceramic, and aluminum. Each offers different durability and heat conduction properties.
- Temperature Settings: Most offer at least low, medium, and high settings. Some include a "keep warm" setting as well.
- Lid Type: Choose between glass and plastic lids. Glass allows you to monitor cooking without releasing heat, whereas plastic is lighter.
- Shape: Oval or round, shapes can affect how well the cooker handles cuts of meat.
Most Important Factors to Consider When Buying Manual Slow Cooker
While many elements contribute to choosing the best manual slow cooker, some factors are pivotal. Here’s what you need to focus on before making a purchase:
- Size: Choose one that suits your family size. A small 3-quart model might suffice for singles or couples, while a larger 6-quart or more is ideal for families and social gatherings.
- Usability: Look for intuitive controls and easy-to-read displays if available. Ensure it is simple to clean with dishwasher safe components.
- Portability: Useful if you plan to transport food for potlucks or family gatherings. Locking lids can prevent spills during transport.
- Price: Higher priced models might offer more features, but evaluate if those are essential for your cooking habits.
Advantages and Disadvantages Manual Slow Cooker
Understanding the pros and cons of a manual slow cooker helps in making an informed decision:
Advantages:
- Simplicity in use
- Energizes flavors through slow cooking
- Reduces the need for other cookware
- Conserves energy compared to oven cooking
Disadvantages:
- Limited temperature versatility
- Requires pre-planning due to longer cooking times
- Lacks modern, digital features
Conclusion on Manual Slow Cooker
In conclusion, a manual slow cooker is an excellent kitchen tool for those who enjoy the magic of slow-cooked meals without the bells and whistles of digital cookers. Each model offers distinct features that cater to different needs, and the key is choosing one that fits your lifestyle and cooking habits. Brands like Crock-Pot and Hamilton Beach continue to provide reliable options to suit various preferences and budgets. By keeping in mind the considerations and features discussed, you can make an informed purchase of a slow cooker for rice or soup that means you're always able to prepare delicious home-cooked meals effortlessly.
Buy Now Guide Newsletter
Get exclusive articles, recommendations, shopping tips, and sales alerts.